"Douce Dame Jolie", sometimes referred to only as 'Douce Dame', is a song from the 14th century, by the French composer Guillaume de Machaut. The song is a virelai, belonging to the style ars nova, and is one of the most often heard medieval tunes today. Many modern recordings omit the lyrics, however. One of the most famous musical pieces of the Middle Ages, 'Douce Dame' has been performed by a plethora of artists, mostly but not always in medieval style. Among others are Annwn (with lyrics), Ayragon (with lyrics), Theo Bleckmann (with lyrics), Els Berros de la Cort, Corvus Corax, Schelmish (with lyrics), Dr Cosgill, Fable of the Bees, Filia Irata, Två fisk och en fläsk (with lyrics), Wisby Vaganter, A La Via! (with lyrics), Lisa Lynne, The John Renbourn Group (with English lyrics), WirrWahr, Wolfenmond, Saltatio Mortis, Angels of Venice (soprano Christina Linhardt, harpist Carol Tatum) and Legião Urbana (no lyrics, named "A Ordem dos Templários" (The Templar Order)) Lyrics Original French Modern French translation English translation Sweet, lovely ladyfor God's sake do not thinkthat any has sovereigntyover my heart, but you alone. For always, without treachery Cherished Have I you, and humbly All the days of my life Served Without base thoughts. Alas, I am left begging For hope and relief; For my joy is at its end Without your compassion. Sweet, lovely lady.... But your sweet mastery Masters My heart so harshly, Tormenting it And binding In unbearable love, So that [my heart] desires nothing but to be in your power. And still, your own heart renders it no relief.Sweet, lovely lady.... And since my malady Healed Will never be Without you, Sweet Enemy, Who takes Delight in my torment With clasped hands I beseech Your heart, that forgets me, That it mercifully kill me For too long have I languished. ''Sweet, lovely lady.... See also Courtly love Medieval music Guillaume de Machaut List of compositions by Guillaume de Machaut References Stanley, John. Classical Music: An Introduction to Classical Music Through the Great Composers & Their Masterworks, 1994 John Stanley. Hindely, Geoffrey, editor. Larousse Encyclopedia of Music, 1971 The Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited 14th-century songs Compositions by Guillaume de Machaut Medieval compositions